Thurs. Oct 4- Sat. Oct. 6

     Historically speaking, Boston has not been such a booze-friendly town. From no buying on Sundays to no “happy hours” any day (a rule that is currently being reexamined in light of the potential onslaught of casinos in the Commonwealth), it can often be difficult to even get a buzz going in Boston. Liquor licenses that go past 2 A.M? Fuggettaboutit. After-hours MBTA transportation? No.
  Fortunately, that is changing. Well a bit. (Just don't tell former Gov. Michael Dukakis.) From Thursday Oct. 4- through Saturday Oct. 6, Boston will be cheered with its first Cocktail Summit The Summit is the brainchild of Alexei Beratis and Jamie Walsh, founders of The Greater Boston Beverage Society. According to famed bartender and cocktail consultant Beratis, the GBBS is “a not-for-profit organization developed to preserve and promote Boston’s cocktail and hospitality culture and spirits history while supporting local and national beverage industry related charities.” That mean, Beratis and Walsh would like you to hoist one or two. The premiere Summit will celebrate Boston’s proud cocktail culture and highlight its highballing history and the best of what’s new.
    “We were inspired by some similar cocktail related events from around the country,” Beratis explains. “It seemed like a great way to offer education and exposure to the many facets of the industry while giving back to the community.
    ”Though it is related to such world-famous events as New Orelans’ famed Tales of the Cocktail, Beratis emphasizes the Boston-based focus of the Summit. “We hope to incorporate a more local aspect to the event,” he says. “It was designed to be a regional event, to showcase local brands, allow access to these great seminars and highlight our establishments.”
    From local breweries, distilleries and wineries to internationally-known barkeeps and brewers, the Summit will feature many of New England’s favorite drinks and drinkmakers (including Dale DeGroff, Gaz Regan - in photo - and Tony Abou-Ganim as well as alcohol authorities like Steve Olsen, Doug Frost, Paul Pacault, and David Wondrich) and will surely mark a new high point in Boston’s cocktail calendar.
     “We have bartenders who take great pride in their cocktails,” Beratis observes, “and with so many spirits and ingredients available in this area, they can express their creativity with outstanding results.” Beratis also notes the historic ties Boston has to many of the world’s most famous drinks, including its long tradition as a center of the rum trade and the fact that many of the oldest taverns in the country are here. “Decisions about the formation of our country were made over punches and ales,” he notes.
   In addition to supporting the sousable, the Summit will also benefit such worthy causes as The Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Share Our Strength and The Jimmy Fund. “We wanted to donate…to national and local [organizations],” Beratis explains, “with emphasis on…hunger related charities. We also chose the Jimmy Fund as it is an iconic Boston based charity.”
   From sidecar seminars, the Summit will offer something for everyone. And while it will be hosted by a new industry organization, the Summit is open to all!
    “Industry professionals can expect some of the highest quality seminars on spirits, new techniques and industry trends,” Beratis explains. “The consumer has many educational seminars as well - rom how to create cocktails at home to ordering without intimidation at restaurants and bars. And both can enjoy some really sensational events and parties!”
The Boston Park Plaza and the Royal Sonesta are your host hotels, and shuttles will run between them. Seminars like "Making Your Own Vermouth" and "Your Old Friend, Vodka." Will Chelsea Handler be there? (Check website below for voluminous details.)
Three-day passes available at $325. Individaul events $50-$25.

- Matt Robinson

www.bostoncocktailsummit.com